Drug use??

[chris246]

What is the policy in your department concerning past drug use of medics? Last summer I used marijuana once, I have since decided that was extremely stupid and have not and will not ever do it again. I was wondering if this will disqualify me from employment as an EMT or paramedic. At the time I was eighteen years old. Other then that I have not every gotten any tickets or anything negative, I even have straight A's in college. <br />Thanks for responding.

[IAMedic]

With most departments it isn't that bad of a deal. However, some I am sure, don't want any usage at all previously. Now, to be the devil's advocate: Why would you confess to using it only once anyways?? It is out of your system and unless you did it with a fireman, police officer, or EMT, the chances of anyone finding out are really slim, especially if you apply outside the area. Personally, I wouldn't say anything about it. <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

[soontobe-emtp]

I believe I agree with Adler. If it is out of your system, and they don't specifically ask you about ANY previous drug use, I wouldn't mention it, either. I don't know that I would lie on an application, but if they don't specifically ask you, I certainly wouldn't volunteer that information. If, however, they specify ANY previous drug use, ever, I would answer yes, with an explanation. If you say no and they for some reason find out you lied, you definitely lose any chance of employment. I, if I were an interviewer, would rather you tell me the truth with an explanation than to find out later that you had lied.

Hope this helps.

[codeblue81]

Chris,<br /> I have to say that I was pretty well in the same boat as you a couple years ago. I went to alot of parties and did ectasy a few times while I was in my EMT-B class. To tell you the truth I knew that it wasn't in my system when I applied for my first vollie squad. The way that I look at is it that it hasn't affected my decision making or mental capacity. I'll agree with everyone else. Just keep it under your hat if it hasn't effected you. Good Luck.

code_blue81 <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

[RoryEl]

I don't recall what our exact policy entails, however you can have some limited drug use in a certain amount of time. The time frame is dependent upon the specific drug, and there are many drugs that you can absolutely have never used. Pot in the last year will not exclude you, but as far as lying, any lie with bar you from employment. The background check and lie detector get a lot of people. Psych eval gets some too. Good luck

[WHFD322]

As long as you don't test positive it will not probably matter. If givena lie detector test don't lie.

[WHFD322]

As long as you don't test positive it will not probably matter. If given a lie detector test don't lie.

[EMTPEZ]

I am a manager for a private ambulance company. If you are up front when and if the question is asked of you, you should have no problem. If you just tried it and you were not arrested and its been a year don't sweat it and don't bring it up. If its been a year it won't show up on a drug screening any way. The important thing here is learn from your mistakes and go on.